Richard G. "Dick" Kasel

Kasel, Richard G. "Dick", age 92, passed away on January 28, 2026. He was born August 18, 1933, in Vermillion, MN, to Jacob B. and Leona C. (Wagner) Kasel.

He attended high school in Hastings where he wrestled and played football, including on the 1948 undefeated state championship team. A football scholarship led him to UW-Stout where he encountered two life-changing events: being drafted into the Korean War and meeting Caroline A. "Cay" Yentz, who he would marry and love forever.

Dick and Cay were engaged in 1954 – the year he joined the army and served as a Gun Mechanic for 90 and 120mm antiaircraft guns. Honorably discharged, he returned to Stout, married Cay in 1956 and graduated with an industrial arts education degree in 1958.

His first teaching job was in Canby, MN, where he also served as assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. In 1962, he taught junior high industrial arts in West St. Paul, and in 1965 his extensive technical skillset led to a new career as a packaging engineer at 3M where he worked for 30 years until his retirement.

He was a devoted father who taught valuable lessons and modeled positive behaviors. With family and friends, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, woodworking and winning at cribbage.

The growing family had settled in South St. Paul, where he and Cay actively supported their children and community. At St. Augustine's church, Dick was a Lecter, Trustee and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He served 12 years on the School Board, including as Chair. His lifelong passion and support for education was recognized In 2017 when he was honored by the South St. Paul Education Foundation. A proud veteran, Dick was Commander of American Legion Post 481. And from 1997 to 2024, he built up a remarkable 1,171 volunteer days with Habitat for Humanity.

Dick is survived by his children: Cynthia (Douglas) Schaefer, Christopher Kasel, Grace (Christopher) Liesch, Michael (Nadine) Kasel, Andrew (Lisa) Kasel and William (Sarah) Kasel. He is further survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Dwain, Gordon and Diana (Vielbig).

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife and parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., February 10, at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave., West St. Paul. A Gathering of friends and family will be held at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Interment for Dick and Cay will take place at 2 p.m. at Fort Snelling with immediate family only.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, St. Paul.

The family will miss his humor and generous spirit. We extend our deep appreciation for the care, kindness and support shown by Dick's friends, clergy and the caregivers at Allina Hospice, Timber Hills and Our Lady of Peace.